Overnight Camps
Fostering Friendships, Growth, and Independence
Since 1926, campers have enjoyed unforgettable camp experiences at Camp Tanager’s overnight camps.
Campers spend their days and nights taking part in fun-filled and educational activities. The camp experience fosters friendships and builds camper independence.
Overnight Camps for all kids!
Children of all backgrounds can benefit from a positive camp experience. That’s why Camp Tanager is devoted to providing an affordable, safe, and fun camp experience for all children.
Sleep-Away Camp
Our summer sleep away Camps provides themed activities in a week-long camp experience that includes games, campfires, pool parties, and more!
Free Camperships
Since 1926, our free campership program has offered full or partial scholarships to children who would otherwise not get to experience the benefits of camp.
Seasonal Camps
Who says the camp is only a summer thing? Not us! We offer fun-filled seasonal camps throughout the school year, including Halloween and winter.
Weekly Themes
Kids love to come to camp and particpate in activities unique to the weekly theme…maybe even as much fun as our counselors have picking them out! Check out some of our past weekly themes that have been camper favorites.
- Summer Olympics
- Zombie Nerf Camp
- Oopy Gloopy Slime Camp
- Hogwarts Camp
- Jedi Training Camp
- Aloha Summer
Fun-Filled Days
Unplug and Rediscover: At camp, kids leave behind screens and dive into the real world—connecting with real people, activities, and emotions. They find there’s always something exciting to do.
Play Freely: Camp offers a break from rigid routines, giving kids the freedom to laugh, play, and be silly all day long. It’s pure, carefree fun!
Build Social Skills: Living in a cabin with peers teaches teamwork, respect, and communication. Through shared chores and resolving conflicts, kids grow together.
Reconnect with Nature: Camp brings kids back to the great outdoors, expanding their view of the world and fostering healthy growth.
Grow Independence: With the freedom to make decisions in a supportive environment, kids build confidence and discover new directions for personal growth.
Make True Friends: Camp is where lifelong friendships are born. Away from school pressures, kids bond over shared adventures and endless fun.
At camp, every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make memories that last a lifetime!
Ready to have the best Summer yet?
Children come to Camp Tanager to have fun, make friends and enjoy the outdoors. We teach LIFE SKILLS and inspire children to be the best they can be. Campers take part in our unique and creative programming opportunities designed to support education, health and fitness, and social skills.
What to Pack
Packing for a week at camp might sound overwhelming. Camp Tanager makes it easy! We provide bedding, pillows, towels, sunscreen, and bugspray so you won’t have to worry about forgetting these important things.
Since camp is all about active engagement, fun, and new experiences, Leave these items at home:
- Toys or games
- Jewelry
- Chewing gum
- Electronics-games/ipads/cellphones etc.
- Money
Click below for our full list of what to pack for camp.
FAQs
It’s normal to have questions before sending your child to camp. Here are some of the most common Q & A we receive from caregivers.
If your child gets homesick, don’t worry! We will contact you by phone and keep you informed of the situation. For many, bouts of homesickness pass within a day or so. Our counselors are great at keeping kids involved in activities and with the group.
Feel free to contact us at any time during the week. Our phone number is 319-363-0681. If you need to drop something off for your camper, please call in advance so we can watch out for you. If you have an emergency and need to talk to someone right away, please call Tanager at 319-365-9164 The secretary will be able to contact the Camp Director who will then return your call.
Camp has many weather radios stationed throughout the campus. During severe weather, all campers and staff are taken to the nearest designated storm shelter and remain there until the storm has passed–often entertained with songs and silliness to pass the time.
